I don't usually blog a lot here on SG. Mostly because I try to allow it to be a place where I share my work for the site and give my love to all the wonderful people that are here.
But, lately, there has been some things that have come to my attention. And as a photographer + a business owner, I'd like to share my opinions on them.
I have been shooting for Suicide Girls since 2015 and I have over 30 sets currently on the site/in queue. In the grand scheme of things, this may mean that I have minimal experience. Though, the experience I do have has been a learning curve yet very rewarding. Suicide Girls isn't really like any other beast. The work that goes into creating each and every set- is A LOT of work. For both the model, and the photographer.
The models spend their time grooming, preparing outfits, maybe helping with locations, etc. Not to mention the 2+ hours of their time in front of the camera physically using their body in a variety of ways (many which are not easy or comfortable).
The photographers (this is my experience/how I run my business) spend time discussing ideas of the shoot with the model, possibly discussing outfit ideas, locations, mood, lighting, etc. They spend 2+ hours holding heavy equipment and physically moving around to get the best angles, etc. as they take the photographs. Then they spend (at least) an hour downloading the images, going through the images, picking the best quality images and then send them to the model to choose the images they like best for their set. Once they receive the chosen 40-60 images they spend (a minimum of) 4 to 20 hours editing the photos to give the model the best quality images, where the model is portrayed in the best, most appealing way.
Some of you who are still reading may already know this and some of you may be saying, WOW, thats how it works? Either way. This is just a glimpse into the details and work that both parties are putting into making this content for everyone on this site.
I have been seeing (not only on SG) that some models are having issues with photographers. Whether that be because they've paid a photographer and haven't gotten images back. Did TFP and later find out they don't have the rights to print the images or post the images to certain places, etc. These are just a few of the things I've been hearing not only here on SG but also on other social media accounts.
My #1 tip and biggest advice is to MAKE YOURSELF A CONTRACT.
As well as ASK FOR A CONTRACT FROM YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER or MODEL.
For photographers who are experienced with shooting for SG and who have a lot of work with SG and/or outside of SG, it's ALWAYS smart to give yourself enough time as a turn around time to get the images back to your models. Depending on the amount of work I have, I ALWAYS give a minimum of 3 months turn around time. This isn't to say that I can't get a set back sooner, but especially when photography was just my side job, it take a lot of time to edit 60 images, have a full time job, a family, a life, etc. So photographers, give yourself enough time. And IF you run into a hiccup along the way, COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR MODEL. We are ALL human, life takes us all on the damn roller coaster of ups and downs, if you find you're too busy, you can't finish the set in the said amount of time, if you have something come up in life, tell your model! They will understand. Trust me. Yeah- they may be bummed they have to wait longer- but at least they won't think you're a flakey jerk for ignoring them and not following through with the services they PAID FOR.
And models- please be understanding. As a photographer, it does not feel good to have someone hounding and harassing them and stressing them out even more about their photographs. With that being said, this could be bypassed, if you MAKE A CONTRACT and COMMUNICATE.
That leads me to my next "issue".
Whether you are being paid as a photographer or a model OR you're doing TFP... HAVE A CONTRACT.
Know what you are both agreeing to, know what service is being requested, offered or traded.
Things you should discuss in writing...
-Location
-What kind of shoot will it be?
-What do you feel comfortable doing? (Implied Nude, Bondage, Fully Nude, Etc)
-PRICE (and when it's due)
-Number of hours of the shoot
-Number of looks you'll be shooting
-Number of edits you'll receive
-What rights to the photos do you have? (Can you print, post, alter/edit, sell, etc)
When it comes to payment, whether you're a photographer or a model, that is something you both have to discuss and decide what your terms are.
Since photography is my full time job and shooting for SG take A LOT of time and work, I can not afford to shoot for SG for free. And I expect my models or the people who ask to shoot with me to understand that and respect that. Just as I respect models who want to be compensated for their time and efforts and work. We are all here, in this together, trying our damndest to create awesome things and support each other in one way or the other. There's no reason to be offended if a photographer wants to be paid or if a model wants to be paid. It's easy to simply decline, for example: "Thank you for the opportunity but I am not currently doing TFP." "Thank you for your time but I am only taking commissioned work at this time."
Be kind, Be understanding, Be supportive.
Only YOU know what you are willing to do, what you're willing to spend, how much time you have, what you feel comfortable with, what energetic exchange you'd like or need in order for a partnership to be fair.
Remember to Value yourself.
Value your time.
Value your service.
VALUE EACH OTHER.
If you're looking for a good quality photographer. Be willing to pay.
If you're looking for a good/experienced model. Be willing to pay or offer a decent and fair trade.
Again, this is just my experience as a photographer and business woman.
And hopefully this will be helpful to any photographers or models who may have struggled with things such as this in the past.
We are all awesome and deserve to be treated as such!
Xoxo, Zen
